Undefeated Canada blanks Argentina at Pan Am Games

Striker Christina Julien scored as Canada defeated Argentina 1-0 Thursday to advance to the semifinal stage of the women’s soccer tournament at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Julien, a native of Williamstown, Ont., took a pass from Canadian captain Christine Sinclair of Burnaby, B.C., and chipped the ball past Argentine goalkeeper Elisabeth Minning for the game's only goal.

Goalkeeper Rachelle Beanlands of Ottawa — making her first appearance with the national team — picked up the shutout.

Canada defeated Costa Rica 3-1 on Tuesday. The team’s final group stage game is Saturday against Brazil.

"We wanted to qualify for the next round," Canadian coach John Herdman told the Canadian Soccer Association's website.

"It is job done, mission accomplished. We can now sit back and see how the other pool plays out."

Canada is looking to improve upon its bronze medal finish from the last Pan Am Games in 2007.